Lens Blur + Layer Mask Concern/Question

I'm using the technique where you create a duplicate layer of your image, apply a lens blur effect, and then use the layer mask tool to blend the two... creating a selective focus effect.

The one problem I'm running into is in order to do anything after that, I have to merge the two layers together... otherwise I'm just effecting one of the selected layer with everything I do after it. I've tried Linking the Layers together but that didn't work. Is there any way to make adjustments to both layers without merging them? Like if I want to add a Grain effect or do other Adjustments? My concern is, I can't go back and adjust my selective focus once the layers are merged.

I'm wondering if there's a better way to do this?

realmike15 wrote in post #11585958
I'm using the technique where you create a duplicate layer of your image, apply a lens blur effect, and then use the layer mask tool to blend the two... creating a selective focus effect.

The one problem I'm running into is in order to do anything after that, I have to merge the two layers together... otherwise I'm just effecting one of the selected layer with everything I do after it. I've tried Linking the Layers together but that didn't work. Is there any way to make adjustments to both layers without merging them? Like if I want to add a Grain effect or do other Adjustments? My concern is, I can't go back and adjust my selective focus once the layers are merged.

I'm wondering if there's a better way to do this?

I'm no photoshop expert but I would think that you could apply the grain effect to a new layer as an overlay blend mode and it would show on both layers?

As long as you do all your editing using adjustment layers, they will apply to both layers just fine.

Sdiver2489 wrote in post #11586049
I'm no photoshop expert but I would think that you could apply the grain effect to a new layer as an overlay blend mode and it would show on both layers?

Yes, you're right. I do this often.

Just apply the effect you want to do to both layers. After you've chosen the filter you want to apply and applied it to one layer go to the other layer then Filter > Last Filter and it applies the same amount of whatever your last filter used was... Make a backup of both though! I always have an "Originals" group folder in my documents whenever I'm doing something I think I might regret..

I don't think Elements has "lens blur", so I'm assuming full Photoshop CSx here:

realmike15 wrote in post #11585958
I'm using the technique where you create a duplicate layer of your image, apply a lens blur effect, and then use the layer mask tool to blend the two... creating a selective focus effect.

Why lens blur if you are doing it this way?
It has no advantage over for instance gaussian blur then: Both will look fake.
See here what happens if you set opacity to 50% on a blurred layer: https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=9316054#p​ost9316054

The better way to use the lens blur filter: https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=8233462#p​ost8233462

realmike15 wrote in post #11585958
The one problem I'm running into is in order to do anything after that, I have to merge the two layers together... otherwise I'm just effecting one of the selected layer with everything I do after it.

Only if you apply a filter / adjustment to a layer. Not if you are doing it right.

realmike15 wrote in post #11585958
I've tried Linking the Layers together but that didn't work. Is there any way to make adjustments to both layers without merging them?

Generally, any layer above will affect everything below. (unless you specificly link it to one layer by using a clipping mask.)
So the trick is to get all your edits to be layers:
This goes for grain (Apply this by creating a layer in blend mode "overlay", filled with 50% gray, then apply noise to this) or adjustment layers for instance.

If you need to apply a filter (say: lens correction, transform), either select both layers and convert to a smart object, or select the topmost layer and press Cmd+Opt+Shift+E. This will merge all to a new layer. You loose edit-ability that way though.

realmike15 wrote in post #11585958
Like if I want to add a Grain effect or do other Adjustments? My concern is, I can't go back and adjust my selective focus once the layers are merged.

I'm wondering if there's a better way to do this?

Yep, as you can see above, there are several, depending on what works best for your workflow, and what you want to keep edit-able

René Damkot wrote in post #11587758
I don't think Elements has "lens blur", so I'm assuming full Photoshop CSx here:


Why lens blur if you are doing it this way?
It has no advantage over for instance gaussian blur then: Both will look fake.
See here what happens if you set opacity to 50% on a blurred layer: https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=9316054#p​ost9316054

The better way to use the lens blur filter: https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=8233462#p​ost8233462


Only if you apply a filter / adjustment to a layer. Not if you are doing it right.


Generally, any layer above will affect everything below. (unless you specificly link it to one layer by using a clipping mask.)
So the trick is to get all your edits to be layers:
This goes for grain (Apply this by creating a layer in blend mode "overlay", filled with 50% gray, then apply noise to this) or adjustment layers for instance.

If you need to apply a filter (say: lens correction, transform), either select both layers and convert to a smart object, or select the topmost layer and press Cmd+Opt+Shift+E. This will merge all to a new layer. You loose edit-ability that way though.

Yep, as you can see above, there are several, depending on what works best for your workflow, and what you want to keep edit-able

I did the 50% fill grey to a new top level layer, and then added a noise effect. It's funny I knew how to do everything you explained, but never thought of using layers for non-destructive editing. Thanks for your help Rene!